The Yobe State Government has dismissed a report alleging that Governor Mai Mala Buni approved N398 billion for the 2026 Ramadan feeding programme and Tafsir in the state, describing the claim as inaccurate and misleading.
An online platform had reported that the governor approved N398 billion for the annual religious initiative.
However, in a rejoinder issued on Saturday, state officials clarified that the approved amount was N398 million, not the N398 billion published.
“Our attention was drawn to a report alleging that N398 billion was approved for Ramadan feeding and Tafsir across Yobe State.
This claim is incorrect. The approved sum is N398 million,” the statement read in part.
The government further explained that Yobe State’s total 2026 budget stands at about N515 billion, making the reported N398 billion figure inconsistent with the state’s fiscal framework.
According to the statement, the N398 million approval is for the 2026 Ramadan feeding programme to be implemented through the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ethical Re-Orientation.
The initiative, it stressed, is targeted at supporting the vulnerable and less privileged residents during the holy month of Ramadan.
As part of the programme, the number of feeding centres has been increased from 101 to 130 across the 17 local government areas of the state, with each centre expected to provide Iftar meals to 100 persons daily throughout the fasting period.
A breakdown of the funds showed that over N338 million would be spent on the procurement of rams and cooking condiments, while N60 million was allocated as allowances for Muslim clerics conducting the Tafsir.
In addition, 2,300 bags of rice and 400 jerrycans of cooking oil are to be distributed to the feeding centres.
The government expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of publishing unverified reports.
“In journalism, investigation and fact-checking should remain fundamental principles before the publication of any report,” the statement added.
It urged media organisations and members of the public to verify information before dissemination to avoid spreading misinformation and misleading narratives.
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